Conflict Resolution And Civil Society Capacity Building In Iraq

The project has two major pivotal and complementary components. The first addresses the capacity building of civil society organizations to resolve issues and face challenges which make up daily life and empower disadvantaged and marginalized communities, and the second focuses on developing and promoting the youth movement in Iraq and Lebanon, by developing effective communication, partnerships and support with and for youth, through focused activities and networks. These project components are mutually reinforcing and are geared towards creating the necessary synergy for empowerment of civil society, in particular women and youth, to take initiatives and to effectively participate in public, social, economic and political life, so as to create the necessary conditions in which democracy and peace can flourish.
The project has been designed so as to ensure a multiplier effect and to affect a wide range of individuals, civil society members, communities and youth in Iraq and in Lebanon. Although the initial impact of the project is focused on the provision of training for 15 NGOs and for youth as a means of empowerment, those who will be trained will return to their communities, share the skills and experiences gained during the workshops with their communities and thereby translate their learning into practical application at community and local levels, and where it really matters. Therefore, integral to the project is support for follow-up activities and small projects and the development of networks within the communities served by participating NGOs and youth. In this way, the objective of the project is to increase the capacity and involvement of disadvantaged and marginalized individuals, groups and communities, including youth, in the democratization and peace-building process, and encourage their participation in contributing their skills and experience to fostering a democratic and peaceful society in
Iraq and the region.